Guess Kilpatrick Stockton's Managing Partner Steve Baskin wasn't kidding when he told us in January about his plan to double the firm's DC footprint in '08. Good thing, too, that the firm expanded its space at 607 14th Streeta few years back with visions of growth, because yesterday all 22 lawyers from boutique Muldoon Murphy moved in. The merger, effective May 7, gives Kilpatrick a financial-transactions group, specializing in community banks and corporate governance.

Above, we've carefully labeled Steve's trusted Executive CommitteeNatsbobble head collection. He met Muldoon managing partner Paul Aguggia through Barry Romm of search firm Klein, Landau & Romm, who had worked with both attorneys previously. At their first rendezvous at the Connecticut Ave. Morton's in February, they began discussions about the entire Muldoon firm coming on board. The two met about six more times and spoke by phone almost daily for weeks before finalizing the deal. In the end, even the Muldoon staff came over. Steve says he's on the lookout for international trade, government contracts and FDA practices, among other possible additions.

WILLKIE GETS SEC VETS

Willkie Farr nearly doubled the number of former SEC attorneys on its DC staff last week when it brought in litigationpartners Liz Gray, Greg Bruch, and of counsel Julie Smith. The trio came over from Foley & Lardner to boost Willkie SEC enforcement and compliance expertise.

Liz and Greg flank DC management committee head Barry Barbash, one of seven former SEC attorneys now in the DC office. Barry served as Director of the Division of Investment Management. Liz and Greg were assistant directors in enforcement, and Julie served as senior counsel in both legal policy and the office of the general counsel. Barry worked with all three at the Commission, so due diligence was a snap.

We can attest that Greg is new, since we got lost wandering the corridors with him. (Don't worry Greg, we love a good tour—just get that floor plan memorized by the time the summer associates arrive.) Liz, Barry and Greg agreed on one of Willkie's biggest draws: the free drinks—don't get that in government. Liz and Barry like their sodas, while Greg goes for the mini cranberry juices. Obviously, it helps you grow tall.

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